Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Massachusetts

Attorney General Considers Rent Control Ballot Question

Earlier this month, supporters of an effort to restore rent control in Massachusetts led by State Rep. Michael Connelly (D-Cambridge) filed an initiative petition (No. 23-42) to put rent control on the ballot in 2024. If approved by the voters, the law would allow cities and towns to enact policies regulating rents.

State Revises Guidelines for MBTA Multi-family Zoning

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) recently issued revisions to the guidelines that determine if an MBTA community is in compliance with the multi-family zoning mandate of the Zoning Act (G.L. c. 40A, § 3A).

Landmark Study on Net Zero Energy Code & Housing Affordability

Massachusetts must take bolder steps to solve the housing affordability crisis while simultaneously counteracting climate change, including new policies to rapidly boost construction of more energy-efficient, planet-friendly homes without pricing out the next generation of homebuyers. . .

More Municipalities Adopt Specialized Stretch Energy Code

Since becoming effective on December 28, 2022, increasing number of communities have moved to adopt the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code promulgated by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) pursuant to the climate bill enacted by the Legislature in 2021.

AG issues Enforcement Advisory to Communities on MBTA Zoning Mandate

Responding to the pushback by some cities and towns to the MBTA Community multi-family zoning mandate in the Zoning Act, Attorney General Andrea Campbell recently issued an Enforcement Advisory to assist municipal officials and residents in understanding the requirements of the law.

Edward Augustus named Housing Secretary

Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll announced that they have named former Worcester City Manager Edward (Ed) M. Augustus to serve as the state's first Housing Secretary in more than 30 years.